For their first ever playoff appearance, the Vikings face off against a familiar foe in the Örebro Black Knights. In previous matchups the Vikings have not been able to pull off the win, but they came close in the regular season game back in week two. Going into the half with a 18-19 lead, the Vikings were not able to score in the second half, ultimately losing 31-19. With an improving defense, are the Vikings able to pull off the upset in the quarter final?
The Vikings defense has been much improved in the past three games, coincidentally the three games the Vikings have won this season. The Vikings D needs to be on their A-game against a Black Knights offense that likes to air out the ball. Black Knights QB #12 Trevor Vasey ended in second place on the passing yards leader list with 1877 yards in 7 games. The Vikings defense has struggled against the pass at times, and will need to bring out the tightest coverage of the season yet to hold off the Black Knights offense.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Vikings are coming off a game where they only managed to score 2 offensive touchdowns and 1 field goal. The Vikings have actually outscored the Black Knights by 10 points over the course of the season, and they will need to perform at a level more akin to the game against the Griffins to stay in this game. Everything considered, these two teams look fairly evenly matched on paper with the Black Knights holding a slight edge when looking at points differential. The Vikings will need to play their best game of the season to win, but the win is very much in reach for this team.
Players to watch
#50 Petter Frausing is a player that has played line on both sides of the ball this season. At 3-tech, he can certainly be a difference maker both in the run game, but also ensuring pressure gets to the QB. If Vasey has all day to make reads and allow routes to develop down field, then it will be a long day for the secondary and a tough win for the Vikings to pull off.
After a down defensive performance by #1 Will Sewell (measured against the insane standard he has set this season), the Vikings will be needing another standout performance. Sewell has produced in all facets of the game, and the linebacker will need to play well in pass coverage against the Black Knights. A freak athlete, he possesses all the tools needed, but how much of an impact can he make if the Black Knights actively go away from him with their game plan?
Another big performance will be needed by offensive engine #12 C.J Fowler. He has bailed the Vikings offense out of less than ideal situations by escaping the pocket before picking up a first down scrambling on more than one occasion. Give Fowler time and he will find the open man, harass him in the pocket and he might just be able to get the first down anyway. This is exactly what the Vikings offense needs. Against the Black Knights, the Vikings can’t afford to leave points on the board, and Fowler will be the key to avoid just that.
Kickoff is today – June 15th at 15:00 in Örebro. Follow along with the free live stream to see how these players and the Vikings and Black Knights teams fare, in what should an exciting playoff game. Click the link here